Anyone know anything about tongue cancer?

Mouth cancer usually starts in the cells lining the mouth. The most common sites are the lips, tongue and floor of the mouth, but cancer can also originate in the gums, cheeks, roof of the mouth, hard and soft palate, tonsils and salivary glands. People over the age of 45 years are at increased risk, with men twice as likely as women to develop these types of cancers. Smoking increases the risk of mouth cancer six-fold. The location of the cancer seems to depend on the usage of the tobacco product – for example, a person who habitually tucks plugs of chewing tobacco into their left cheek may be prone to cancer of that cheek. Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of mouth cancer even more. Mouth cancer is easily cured if treated in its earlier stages, but around half of patients don’t consult with their doctor until their disease is well advanced.SymptomsThe symptoms of mouth cancer can include: A visible mass or lump that may or may not be painful. An ulcer that won’t heal. A persistent blood blister. Bleeding from the mass or ulcer. Loss of sensation anywhere in the mouth. Trouble swallowing. Impaired tongue mobility. Difficulty moving the jaw. Speech changes, such as slurring or lack of clarity. Loose teeth and/or sore gums. Altered taste. Swollen lymph glands.Mouth cancer can spreadThe membranes of the mouth, nose and throat are lined with flat, firm cells called squamous cells. Most mouth cancers originate in these surface cells. Without treatment, squamous cell carcinoma can burrow into the deeper tissue layers, including muscle and bone, and spread to nearby structures such as the throat or lymph glands of the neck. Mouth cancer can migrate (metastasise) to other parts of the body if it accesses the bloodstream or lymphatic system.Risk factorsThe exact cause of mouth cancer is unknown, although tobacco products are thought to play a significant role in about 80 per cent of cases. Risk factors may include: Tobacco use Regular and heavy alcohol consumption Advancing age Sun exposure Poor diet Poor oral hygiene Gum disease Habitual chewing of the lips or cheeks Irritants, such as strong mouthwashes or ill-fitting dentures Leukoplakia (light-coloured patches of atypical cells inside the mouth) Herpes simplex infection (cold sores) Human papilloma virus infection (warts) Family history of cancer (genetic makeup).Diagnosis methodsMouth cancer is diagnosed using a number of tests including: Medical history Physical examination Biopsy (a sample of suspect tissue is removed for examination in a laboratory) X-rays Ultrasound CT scan MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan PET (position emission tomography) scan Simultaneous MRI-PET scans.

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Go to www.cancer.org for all the answers you need.

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Tongue cancer can be caused by chewing tobacco.Go to webmd.com for all the answers you will want

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my boyfriend has been fighting this aggressive cancer for a year.Had chemo and radiation first,that did not take care of it. on 9/11/06 he went through 12 hrs. of surgery.was in hospital 25 days.has feeding tube, which is the only way he can get nutrition .has to learn how to swallow again .it’s really complicated and more detailed.very sad to see anyone go through what he is going through